10 Personal gifts for Classics Readers (Austen, Brontë & more!)

Buying for a devoted reader is tricky. There is always the risk they already own the book you have chosen, and if they love classics, they may well have strong opinions about editions. This guide covers a range of options, from small press sets to prints, puzzles and experiences, with a few ideas for Austen and Brontë fans in particular. ## Penguin Mini sets The Penguin Little Clothbound Classics are a good choice if you want something that looks lovely on the shelf. The range includes famous and lesser-known titles, all in clothbound editions. For stocking fillers or smaller budgets, the Penguin Mini Moderns and Little Black Classics are worth a look. They cost around £2 each and there are around a hundred titles to choose from, so you can pick whatever appeals. Penguin also has a Mini Moderns website that will select one at random for you. ## Jane Austen playing cards A set of Jane Austen playing cards is a gift that can be used straight away. They come in a decorative box, and the illustrations are a pleasure to discover as you play. ## Book spine prints If you like black and white illustration, Georgina the Librarian on Etsy makes classic book spine prints that are simple and elegant. Bedlam Books offers colourful spine prints, including custom designs. A custom print combining a couple’s favourite books makes a particularly personal gift. ## Brontë sisters print by Amanda White Amanda White creates collaged literary images and sells affordable prints on Etsy. Her Brontë sisters print is a popular choice, and she also makes prints of the houses of various authors. Her work is stocked at the Brontë Parsonage Museum gift shop. ## Literary pins The Literary Emporium has a collection of gothic-themed literary enamel pins, which can also be bought individually. There are book pins to suit most readers, and if you have a larger budget, themed gift boxes containing a shirt, a book and a pin are also available. ## National Trust membership and literary location tickets A National Trust membership, or a ticket to a specific literary location, can be a memorable gift for a reader. Haddon Hall, used as Thornfield in Jane Eyre, is a favourite, as are Chatsworth House and Stourhead, both of which appeared in adaptations of Pride & Prejudice. The National Trust website lists its most popular filming locations and properties with literary connections if you need more ideas. ## Literary jigsaws Laurence King’s literary puzzles are beautifully detailed and genuinely challenging, which makes them a good way to pass a birthday or the Christmas break. The Frankenstein and Dracula designs are particular favourites, and there are Brontë and Jane Austen jigsaws too. It is worth checking the Laurence King website for discount codes around Christmas. ## The Penguin tote The classic orange Penguin tote is a reliable bookish gift. If you would rather shop locally, see what totes your nearest bookshop has in stock. Independent bookshop totes, including those from Pages of Hackney, Daunt Books and Shakespeare & Co, are popular choices. ## Jane Eyre embroidery kit A Jane Eyre themed embroidery kit makes a thoughtful present. The kits are beautifully wrapped and contain everything you need, including detailed instructions, so they suit beginners. There is a range of other literature-themed kits available as well. ## Personal shopping experience Many bookshops offer personalised recommendation sessions. Books on the Hill, for example, lets you choose a gift voucher amount and sends out a letter that acts as the gift. The recipient then books a session with a bookseller, enjoys a cup of tea and spends the voucher on recommendations. Mister B’s in Bath offers a Bibliotherapy session, which includes cake and a personalised stack of books to choose from. Rare Birds in Edinburgh runs an Advent Calendar experience that can be done remotely and gives the reader plenty of options to pick from. ## Book Club Journal A book club journal is a useful gift for anyone who reads in a group. It includes tips on running your own book club and themed reading lists for inspiration. There is space to document 50 books, with room for notes and prompts to get you started.